The Puerto Princesa’s Underground River (PPUR) has been chosen to be one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. It was a UNESCO World Heritage Site before it became one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Since then, it has become more popular among foreign and local tourists. The subterranean river is truly a wonder in itself and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime.
The Underground River is 50-kilometer away from the town. You can go there by boat or by the Monkey Trail. The boat is faster and easier because it will take you directly to the entrance of the river. All you have to do is to go to the Sabang Port and take a boat ride there. You will be given a life vest for protection. The boat ride can range from 15 to 25 minutes depending on the weather condition. Another way to go to the entrance is through the Monkey Trail. If you love walking, this is perfect for you. The trail is approximately 5.3 kilometers. Depending on your pace, it may take you 1 to 2 hours to get to the entrance. The name speaks for itself. There is a good chance that you will see monkeys along the way. Keep your bags and food close to you because monkeys love stealing food from the people.
It is very important that you secure a reservation before you go to the Underground River. The local government is very strict because they want to preserve the place as much as possible. It might be very difficult for you if you go there as a walk-in tourist. Pay the deposit in advance or whenever necessary. The boat ride going to the Underground River itself is already jaw-dropping. You will enjoy the scenic views of the sea while interacting with other tourists.
Once you reach the entrance of the Underground River, you will smell a really pungent smell from the bats. You should just ignore this though and concentrate on appreciating what lies inside the cave. The inside of the cave is really dark therefore it is best if you bring a flashlight with you. The boatmen will keep you entertained and tell you stories about the caves and the formations. You will only be able to see the half of the Underground River. Until now, a lot of its wonders are still left unexplored.
Aside from the PPUR, there are other tourist spots and activities that you can enjoy nearby. You can go to Sabang beach and enjoy surfing with the big waves. You can go to the Mangrove Forest and appreciate nature more. You may also try the infamous Tamilok there. You can try the zip line for a more adventurous experience. You can go to the Sabang falls and visit the Buddha Temple in the area. You can explore other caves such as the Ugong Rock, Daylight Hole and the Lions Cave.
Visit Puerto Princesa’s Underground River and treasures the experience for a life time.
